Display Device on Cable Connection for Forklift Battery Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply devices for industrial trucks lack a robust and user-friendly method to convey status parameters like temperature and liquid level, as display elements are often obscured by dirt or damaged during operation, and require additional equipment for installation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a display device onto the cable connection between the industrial truck and the replaceable energy supply device, utilizing a clamping mechanism and light-emitting diodes or acoustic signals, allowing for flexible positioning and easy reading, and enabling retrofitting to existing batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If display elements are arranged on the battery tray, then status parameters can be displayed, but the display elements are difficult to see and are damaged by dirt and operational damage
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is extracted from the battery tray and relocated to the cable connection between the battery and the industrial truck. This removes the display elements from the harmful environment of the battery tray where they are exposed to dirt, electrolyte splashes, and physical damage during battery changes, while still allowing status parameter information to be displayed to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connection serves as an intermediary carrier for the display device. Instead of mounting the display directly on the battery or truck, it is placed on the cable connection that links them, providing a protected intermediate location that is accessible to the user but shielded from the harsh conditions of the battery tray.
2Ease of operation
If display elements are arranged on the dashboard, then they are easily readable by the operator, but additional equipment and connections are required in the industrial truck
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is extracted from the truck's dashboard system and relocated to the battery-side cable connection. This eliminates the need for additional dashboard equipment, wiring, and integration work in the truck, while still providing readable status information to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connection itself serves the dual function of electrical power/signal transmission and as a mounting structure for the display device. The cable's existing structure is utilized to carry the display, eliminating the need for separate mounting equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable connection is made flexible, then the display device can be positioned favorably, but the cable loses rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection has different rigidity characteristics at different locations. The section where the display device is mounted has sufficient flexibility to allow positioning, while other sections maintain adequate rigidity for structural support and electrical connection. This local variation in mechanical properties allows both positioning flexibility and structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides clear and durable status parameter information without additional truck modifications, protecting the display from dirt and damage, and facilitating universal use across different industrial trucks.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a clamping mechanism and light-emitting diodes or acoustic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interchangeable power supply unit (1) for a forklift truck (9) with at least one cable connection (4) between the forklift truck (9) and the interchangeable power supply unit (1). At least one display device (8) for displaying at least one status parameter of the power supply unit (1), in particular a temperature and/or a fluid level, is arranged on the cable connection (4).